Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. File | Photo Credit: ANI Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) expressed regret over his controversial statement calling the people of Gujarat “illiterate”, and said he has always had and will continue to have the highest of respect for the people of the State. In a post on X, the Congress president said, “Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Kerala are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret. “It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat for whom I have always had and will continue to have the highest of respect.” Mr. Kharge on Sunday (April 5, 2026) had sparked a row during his Assembly poll campaign in Kerala, calling the people of Gujarat “illiterate” and claiming they were being “fooled” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Published – April 08, 2026 02:58 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Watch: RBI cuts FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.9% amid global risks Launch date of first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan to be announced this week: ISRO Chairperson